Family run for six generations

SILLETTS

Contents2. Intro 3. History 4. Our Help to You / When Someone Dies 5. Register a Death 6. Cremation 7. Burial / Green Funerals / Coffins

8. Our Private Chapels of Rest / The Funeral Service 9. Music / Printed Orders of Service 10. Flowers / Transport / Receptions after Funerals 11. Death Notices and Online Memorial Pages 12. Cremated Remains / Memorials 13. Costs / Help with Funeral Costs / Our Own Funerals

14. Pre Planned or Pre Paid Funerals 15. FAQs 16. Contact

IntroductionYou are probably reading this brochure because you have recently lost someone and are wondering where to turn for help. Let our family be there for your family.

We hope this will be seen as the start of the support and advice that you can expect from the Sillett family.

Elijah Halliwell [b.1848] began the business of Joiner, Builder and Undertakers in 1875, working from premises in Newchurch Street, Radcliffe. Married to Margaret they lived just across the road at Number 1. His daughter Amy [b.1882] was a local school teacher and married Josiah Sillett [b.1882] in Aug 1910.

Josiah and Amy lived at 20 Cross Street, just around the corner from the workshop. Josiah was a joiner, builder and undertaker [the 1891 census shows him as a joiner’s apprentice, living at 4 Grey Street, Radcliffe] and he took over from Elijah in 1912. He then moved to 64 Blackburn Street, Radcliffe to gain a main street business address in around 1935. They had three children, Hubert [b.1912], Jessie [b.1914] and Leonard [b.1919]. They employed up to seven joiners at one time, the last joiner Walker Fletcher worked on the premises that was to be built later in Spring lane.

Hubert married Emily in 1935 and lived in the family home in Cross Street. They had no children. Hubert was a coffin maker in the business from around 1925 until he retired following an accident with a circular saw.

Leonard joined the business in 1936. He served in the Royal Navy during the war and returned to the business specialising in Funeral Directing in 1945. In Aug 1941 he married Ann. They had three children, Peter [b.1945], Pauline [b.1949] and Carl [b.1957]. It was in 1957 Leonard decided to build the present premises and it was completed in December 1958. Leonard and Anne moved into the bungalow called “Kelsil”. The Chapel of Rest adjacent to the bungalow was one of the very first purposely built funeral premises in the country.

Peter joined the business in September 1960, married Stella in 1965 and moved into the bungalow in 1969, staying 23 years, bringing up their four children, Peter, Paul, Rachel and Rebecca. Stella worked in the business with Peter until her retirement.

In 1968 Leonard and Peter decided to change the firm’s name from Josiah Sillett & Sons to SILLETTS funeral service. The old workshop was demolished and with a number of extensions over the years Spring lane became the main office, funeral premises, workshop and garage.

In the past, horses and carriages and later, motor vehicles were hired from suppliers in Bolton, until the first Austin Princess Limousines where purchased in 1961 which were, quite soon afterwards, followed by a Hearse which was an Austin Princess 3 litre.

Carl started work in June 1973. He is married to Karen. They have three children

Lauren, Emily and Dominic.Carl sold his share of the partnership to remaining partners in March 2016 and is now retired.

Peter started work in June 1983. He is married to Mandy they have two boys, Michael and Matthew.

Paul started work in June 1984. Married to Amanda they have three children Joseph, Hannah and Adam.

In 1985 the old evangelical chapel in Herbert Street, was purchased and converted to become the first Funeral Premises in Little Lever, Bolton.

Doreen Rothwell started working with us part time in 2001. She is well known in Little Lever being a village girl all her life. Doreen retired in 2011.

Rebecca started work in July 1990. Her husband Nigel [Brownlow) joined us in October 1996. They have two children Jack and James.

Phillip Dale started work in 2005 and since then has become a fully qualified embalmer. A Radcliffe lad born and bred he was for many years manager and supervisor at Halls toffee makers in Radcliffe.

Joseph, Pauls eldest joined us in 2009. He becomes the first sixth generation of the family to practice as a Funeral director in Radcliffe.

Matthew, Peter Jnr’s youngest son joined the business in 2010.The latest addition to the team is Adam, Paul’s youngest son who joined the business in 2015.

History

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At a time like this most people feel lost. We are here to guide and assist in the whole process. These days there are so many choices. We feel each family should have information to achieve the funeral that is right for them. Remember we are always happy to talk. That is why our family are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

If death occurs at home a Doctor should be contacted as soon as possible. Then once a Doctor has given permission and you are ready your loved one can be taken into our care. If death occurs in a hospital, hospice or nursing home you can contact us when you feel ready and we can assist with all practical matters.

If a death is sudden, or the result of an accident then the local Coroner will become involved. This will mean a delay before we can make definite funeral arrangements. However when you are ready make contact as soon as possible so we can guide and assist you at this time.

Our Help To You

When Someone Dies

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You must register in the district where the death occurred, our local registrar’s offices are;

Bolton - 01204 331185

Bury - 0161 253 6026

Oldham - 0161 770 8960

All of these offices work on appointment systems. You will be given instructions on where to attend when making the appointment.

Take with you the Doctors certificate of cause of death or be sure the Coroner has issued relevant paper work and if available the deceased Medical Card.

The Registrar will ask you to state the following particulars:-

- The date and place of death and usual address.

- The full name, surname and maiden name if the deceased was a woman and had married.

- The date and place of birth [town, county or country if born abroad]

- The occupation [and date and occupation of the husband if the deceased was married/widowed]

- Whether the deceased received a pension or allowance from public funds.

- If married the date and place of birth of the surviving widow or widower.

The Registrar will issue:-

- A GREEN certificate for Silletts.

- A form for the Department of Work and Pensions.

- Copies of the Death Certificate for which you have to pay.

Please let us have the green certificate as soon as possible, to allow us to complete funeral arrangements for you

If a death occurs abroad or the funeral is to take place in another country.Our family have for many years assisted in repatriation to and from the UK. We have full knowledge of all consulates both here and abroad. We have contacts with all airlines and can assist at this time without delay. We are able to give definite costs of repatriation quickly and easily.

Registering a Death

Manchester - 0161 234 5005

Salford - 0161 909 6501

Rochdale - 01706 924783

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If this is your choice then locally we are very well served with crematoriums. The main decision you will need to make is which one to choose.

Radcliffe Crematorium is the one most local to both of our chapels, it is set in the extension to Radcliffe Cemetery. Owned by Dignity PLC following a buy out from the original owners. It is the most expensive of local crematoriums but does offer the longest service times and is in a beautiful setting.

Overdale in Bolton has two chapels and very extensive grounds. It is a local authority run crematorium that has recently had major renovation.

Blackley on the far side of Heaton Park has three chapels. A 1960’s built crematorium set within a very large well kept cemetery. Run by Manchester Council who have over recent years had a ongoing programme of improvements.

Rochdale which is just through Bamford is set within a very large old cemetery. A small chapel that is always very busy. Owned and managed by the local authority.

Agecroft in Salford which is just through the boundary at Prestwich is again set within a large well kept cemetery. Also run by the local authority who have tried to make the best of the old chapel with major renovations.

Further afield we have Middleton, Oldham and Manchester.

For information on cost at each crematorium please ask one of our family.

Cremation

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Your main decision is which cemetery or churchyard to choose. Often this is preferred either close to where you live or where other family members are buried. Some churchyards and cemeteries are closed for new plots.

There is vast difference in cost between our local cemeteries and churchyards again just ask one of our family who will be able to advise on choice available to you and the costs of each place.

As we become more aware of the need to protect our planet for future generations more environmentally friendly options for funeral have become available. Although relatively new these greener funerals are just another way of having a funeral that reflects the lives and ideals of different families. Our family will assist with everything from providing alternative coffins from sustainable sources to guiding you to woodland burial sites in this area.

As an independent concern we are able to supply any type of coffin to suit your preference and budget. Coffins are available in solid timber, wood veneer, wicker, bamboo, willow and even wool. They can be colourful with a printed design and even with you own photographs on them. Choosing a coffin is a very personal thing this is why we offer such a huge range to ensure you are able to find exactly what you are looking for. Our showroom at the Radcliffe office has a small sample of what is available. Just talk to us and we will source exactly what you require.

Burial

Green Funerals

Coffins

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At both our Radcliffe and Little Lever premises we have beautifully appointed private chapels of rest. These are available for you to spend time with your loved ones if you so wish. They vary in size but all have a modern contemporary style. At either location small services could be held.

If your family wishes to have a religious service but has no strong church connection then usually the first contact to arrange the type of service you are wanting is the Vicar, Priest or Minister from the parish where your loved one lived. If you belong to a church community then no doubt contact with the relevant person will already have been made. We are very fortunate to have such positive relationships with most clergy in our areas and if your family are unsure what is best for the service you are trying to achieve then our family can always put you in contact with someone that will be able to assist.

We have over the years worked with all the different religious groups in our community.

Often these day’s people feel that a non religious celebrant is more appropriate for them. We have for many years worked with celebrants from different organisations who can help with this kind of service. Tell us what you are hoping to achieve and we can guide you appropriately.

Our Private Chapels of Rest

The Funeral Service

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Music is such a powerful way of expressing our feelings. Families like to personalise the service by choosing what is played and sung at funerals. At churches hymns need to be chosen and entrance and exit music decided upon. Remember though some churches will not allow secular music, we can advice if this is important to you. At crematorium chapels locally most now have systems where we can download choices directly onto their system. Occasionally you will need to provide CDs. Always try to decide several days before the service so that you are not disapointed.

Not a necessary thing but often families like us to produce something for them with details about the funeral service, information about in memoriam donations, invites back to receptions after and photographs to help remember. These can be as plain or colourful as you choose and we have many examples from which you can choose. Not done in house but by a local printers we would require several working days notice so that we can email you a proof before printing.

Music

Printed Orders of Service

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One of the oldest ways to mourn a loved one is by sending flowers.

There are many different types of arrangements to choose from. Over many years we have been fortunate to build good relations with many of the local florists. Unlike large corporate groups of funeral directors we do not have exclusive arrangements with any particular florist. We can and will guide you to one near you that will produce what it is you require. If you wish we will be happy to organise for you.

Our own private fleet of funeral vehicles are all Mercedes Benz. The hearses, limousines and cars are all modern E Class models. Each limousine can seat seven people and matching saloons seat four. One way of personalising the funeral is to have different vehicles to reflect the live of the person who has died. We can assist in hiring any type or make of vehicle, such as horses, trucks, buses, campervans, motorbikes and even different coloured vehicles.

A continuation of the thanksgiving and celebration of the life lost, often referred to as wakes. We are able to advise of suitable venues locally to us or to the place of the funeral service. There are many rooms, hotels and pubs that can help at this time. We also have long standing contacts with outside caterers if you are considering arranging something at your home.

Flowers

Transport

Receptions after Funerals

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Once funeral arrangements have been made it is sometimes felt that a notice in a local newspaper is a good way of informing people both of the death and the funeral. This information can be kept simple of more detailed if this is appropriate. Most local newspapers use a similar format. A more modern approach is Silletts online memorial page. See our main site. This has been a very new venture for us and has taken many years of planning. As part of our service charges we will automatically set this up for you. The person within your family who is our main client will be given control of this page (or someone they nominate). People will be able to share relevant information on all social media platforms, leave messages of sympathy, light online candles and make in memoriam donations. We feel confident that this will be a useful tool for all at this time. Of course if you wish you will be able to opt out of this service.

Death Notices and Online Memorial Pages

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When considering the final resting place for ashes there are several options available to you. Lots of families choose to have the ashes returned to them following the funeral for private disposal. This may be on a favourite walk, place or even upon the sea. Nowadays they can be set into jewellery and we have even arranged for them to be set of in a firework. Of course we can supply you with any form of casket/container for the ashes to be kept in.It may be best to have the ashes interred in a grave or ashes plots. All crematoriums, cemeteries and churchyards have some place for ashes to go. Beware that some crematoriums costs for this can be prohibitive. Ask at the time of making arrangements and our family can give accurate advice about your options. Of course we can make all the necessary arrangements once decisions have been made.

There are so many ways of remembering a loved one and memorials form an important part of this. Although not stonemasons ourselves we are lucky in this area to have a number of established stonemasons who we are happy to recommend. For such long lasting memorials it is important that you take time in choosing words, materials and styles and this is where a good local mason comes in. Please ask one of our family and we will point you in the right direction or we can organise everything for you.

Cremated Remains

Memorials

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Our family are very open about costs involved in making funeral arrangements. See our main site for ideas on likely prices. We can provide just what type of funeral you require, simple, traditional or more elaborate. The only common theme for us is the service level you receive. Once arrangements have been made we will let you have a detailed estimate and confirmation of decision made or yet to be made. We will not invoice you until after the funeral and at the point the account will become due. We accept payments in cash, cheque, card or bank transfer. Note that we will charge the administration fee on credit card payments but only the amount we are charged by your credit card provider.

If paying for the funeral is a problem please let us know before making arrangements so we can clearly set out the options open to you. The costs of a funeral really can vary. Depending if the funeral is to be a cremation or a burial and where it is to take place. Locally crematorium prices vary by as much as £300.00 and burial fees as much as £2000.00.

We are often asked to give approximate costs and even this is not an easy thing to give all dependent on where the person died, burial or cremation, which church or officiant, if the Coroner is involved, the type of coffin, numbers of cars, which newspaper etc etc?

However we are happy to print our price list on our website and to discuss anytime with you about more definite cost tailored to your own requirement. We have on show at both our premises this itemised price list and a general price list which you can take away. If you wish we will give a full no obligation estimate on request either over the telephone, by email or a hard copy in the post.

Please bear in mind that this price list does not cover disbursements (those costs outside of our control) that we pay on your behalf. Including but not

exclusive to crematorium fees, cemetery fees, doctors fees, clergy and officiant fees, floral tributes, newspapers, catering, musicians etc etc. There are just so many variables in these amounts but ask one of our family and we can explain them to you.

Silletts have never hidden costs and have been giving written estimates for many years. Our high quality service is often confused by people to mean expensive, we are one of the most competitively priced funeral directors locally. The standard of our premises both front of house and behind the scenes is second to none, our high standard of service and our fleet of modern Mercedes Benz vehicles means we are good value. The quote “ small enough to care but large enough to cope” sums our family funeral service perfectly.

Anyone who lives in the UK can get help with funeral expenses. If you are on qualifying benefits then you will get some assistance from the DWP. You must speak with you local office for advice and other organisations like Citizens Advice might be good to talk with. Both places will be able to give specific advice based on your individual circumstances.

Families as we know are complex, as we get older we look back on all those decisions made. Sometimes it’s good to plan those final decisions. Mums and Dads make it their life’s work to do everything for everyone and that it why Silletts would like to talk to you about planning your own funeral. So as in life your nearest and dearest will know what exactly you want to happen.

Costs

Help with Funeral Costs

Our Own Funerals

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First of all you will need to decide if you just want to pre plan your funeral or fully pre pay for it. Either way we will meet with you and run through the various options.

With a pre planned funeral we can discuss as much or as little as your wish, make notes about burial or cremation and where this is to take place. As society becomes more secular you may need to give details about which church the funeral is to take place at and how important this is for you.

With a Silletts pre paid funeral you can relax in the knowledge that you have really taken care of everything fully. You will have peace of mind, financial guarantees, flexibility in payment options, guaranteed acceptance and quality assurance from you local established funeral director. Our only strong advice with pre paying is not to take out a funeral plan with a third party, lots of organisations offer them now from charities to supermarkets but most of these work with other corporate funeral directors, restricting choice and taking money away from your family at time of need.

Our pre paid funeral plans are offered by us through Golden Charter Funeral Plans and promise to give you peace of mind and financial security. They are the UKs largest independent funeral plan provider and are recommended by The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors of which we are also members. They are full members of the Funeral Planning Authority . All money is place within the Golden Charter Trust which sole purpose is to pay for funerals at the time of need.

If you wish to plan as you always have, call and we can fix a no obligation appointment with one of our family.

Pre Planned or Pre Paid Funerals

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Is Silletts a independent privately owned company?

Yes, established in 1875 it remains of the north west’s longest established funeral directors still owned and run by the same family. The newest members of the family to join the company are sixth generation funeral directors.

When can we contact you following a death?

As soon as you feel ready, our telephone is answered 24 hours a day 365 days a year by one of the Sillett family.

How soon do we have to make decisions?

There is no set time for anything to happen, we will ask and guide but all decisions can be made at your own pace.

Can I get help with funeral costs?

Yes usually but DWP will require that the person making funeral arrangements be on benefits. It is not guaranteed and is taken on a case by case basis. It is worth noting under these circumstances there will be a shortfall. You do not have to take responsibility for arranging a funeral and under these circumstances the local authority will step in, whilst we will not be able to handle the funeral we can still advise on what you need to do.

Does the funeral have to take place in a certain time?

No, often these days funerals are delayed because of people travelling etc. We often think that it’s best not to delay unduly but under certain circumstances this cannot be avoided.

Does the coffin get cremated?

Yes, the coffin is part of the cremation process and enables the body to be placed in the cremator. Once the coffin is left at the front of the crematorium nothing may be removed from it.

Are the ashes I receive those of my loved ones?

Yes, each cremator is built to take one coffin only and must be fully emptied to allow the next cremation to take place. The process of identification at each crematorium is very thorough.

FAQs

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Address Kelsil Spring Lane Radcliffe Manchester M26 2TQ

Contact us

Address Herbert Street Little Lever Bolton BL3 1LU

Telephone 0161 723 2383

Email Address silletts@sillettsfuneralservice.co.uk

Telephone 01204 861300

Email Address silletts@sillettsfuneralservice.co.uk

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Family run for six generations

SILLETTS